April 14-15 Stakes Recap

A recap of non-graded stakes.

Following is a recap of all official American Quarter Horse stakes for the week of April 14-15. For recaps of graded stakes, Bank of America Racing Challenge events, and stakes with purses of $100,0000 or more, see the individual recaps of these races in the Racing News section. This page will be updated throughout the week.

Prepped by Michael Curtis, Big Champion covered his trip in :44.408 and posted a 106 speed index under jockey Juan Sanchez. The dark bay or brown gelding banked the $11,000 winner's share of the purse from his third consecutive victory.

Big Champion was bred in Kentucky by Bob Austin and John Witte, and he sold for $32,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. A $12,500 claim at Santa Anita Park on February 10, the gelding has won three of his four outs at the 870-yard distance.

"We knew he was in shape, and we knew he would run well," said owner Lance Hare. "We were always concerned with (fourth-place) Bound To Bet, as he is a class horse. We were concerned with him since the entries came out and felt he would be the competition. We knew we could get him on the stretch."

Big Champion was sent to post as the 7-10 choice in the field of seven Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds and returned a $3.40 win mutuel. My Capullo, a 15-1 longshot, ran second to complete a $2 exacta payoff of $35.

Sam Houston Race ParkMarfilous, a 4-year-old daughter of Ivory James owned by Ruben Garcia Montemayor, was successful in her first-ever start at this track, as the mare held on at the wire to win Saturday's $20,000 Miss Sam Houston Stakes for distaffers.

Ridden by Jorge Linares for trainer Abelardo Flores Jr., Marfilous covered 330 yards in :16.604, and her winning margin was a slim nose from Zenergetic. The gray mare earned a 103 speed index and pocketed the $12,000 winner's share of the purse.

Marfilous was bred in Texas by Bobby D. Cox. At 2, she was a finalist in the Firecracker (G2) and Harrah's Entertainment (G3) futurities in Louisiana.

"She was really fast as a 2-year-old," said Flores of Marfilous. "Earlier this year, she was running well at Louisiana Downs, and she showed us she was ready."

Raced in Louisiana and Texas, Marfilous has won six of 14 starts and has banked $53,869. The Miss Sam Houston Stakes marked her first out since February 27, when she scored a half-length win in a 220-yard allowance-optional claiming ($15,000) dash at Louisiana Downs.

Sunland ParkMaking the third start of his career, Flying Eagle 07 scored his first career stakes victory in Saturday's 300-yard, $50,000 West Texas Juvenile Stakes.

Flying Eagle 07 covered his trip in :15.167 while defeating Arizona Chrome by a half of a length. Manuel Gutierrez rode the sorrel One Famous Eagle colt for owner Jack Manning and trainer John M. Cooper.

Flying Eagle 07 was bred in Texas by Quest Inc/Entrust/FBO Tiffin. His dam, the First Down Dash mare Tiny First Effort, was a multiple graded stakes winner at Los Alamitos from 2000-02.

Raced exclusively at this track, Flying Eagle 07 has won two of three starts, and the $30,000 winner's share of the West Texas Juvenile purse pushed his bankroll to $35,680.

About the Association

The American Quarter Horse Association, located in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization.

AQHA members share a passion for the American Quarter Horse and the vast lifestyle created by the world’s most popular horse.

Whether you’re a seasoned horse show veteran, a fan of the race track, a backyard horse enthusiast or simply someone dreaming of someday owning a horse, AQHA membership will benefit you in countless ways.